Publications (90) View all
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Article: Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (Ppar) Agonists as Promising New Medications for Drug Addiction: Preclinical Evidence.
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ABSTRACT: This review examines the growing literature on the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in addiction. There are two subtypes of PPAR receptors that have been studied in addiction: PPAR-γ and PPAR-γ. The role of each PPAR subtype in common models of addictive behavior, mainly pre-clinical models, is summarized. In particular, studies are reviewed that investigated the effects of PPAR-γ agonists on relapse, sensitization, conditioned place preference, withdrawal and drug intake, and effects of PPAR-γ agonists on relapse, withdrawal and drug intake. Finally, studies that investigated the effects of PPAR agonists on neural pathways of addiction are reviewed. Taken together this preclinical data indicates that PPAR agonists are promising new medications for drug addiction treatment.Current drug targets 04/2013; · 3.93 Impact Factor -
Article: Exploring the Association between Lifetime Prevalence of Mental Illness and Transition from Substance Use to Substance Use Disorders: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC).
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ABSTRACT: The association between substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental illness (MI) has been well established. Previous studies reporting this association in various clinical populations have not taken into account former substance use. This may be important as increased prevalence of substance use among individuals with MI may partially explain the strong association between SUDs and MI. In this study we included only individuals with previous substance use and explored the association between lifetime diagnosis of MI and transition from substance use to SUDs. Analyses were conducted across six different categories of substances (alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants) based on a large representative US sample, the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC, n = 43,093). Lifetime diagnoses of any MI, and particularly personality disorders and psychotic disorders, were found to be associated with higher prevalence of transition from substance use to SUDs across most categories of substances. This association was particularly strong for nicotine (adjusted OR = 2.95 (2.72-3.20)). This cross-sectional study expands on previous research by highlighting the association between lifetime diagnosis of any MI and increased rates of transition from substance use to SUDs across a range of substances. Longitudinal studies exploring temporal effects of this association are further needed. (Am J Addict 2013;22:93-98).American Journal on Addictions 03/2013; 22(2):93-8. · 1.74 Impact Factor -
Article: AM404 attenuates reinstatement of nicotine seeking induced by nicotine-associated cues and nicotine priming but does not affect nicotine- and food-taking.
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ABSTRACT: Multiple studies suggest a pivotal role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of the reinforcing effects of various substances of abuse. Different approaches have been used to modulate endocannabinoid neurotransmission including the use of endogenous cannabinoid anandamide reuptake inhibitors. Previously, the effects of one of them, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonamide (AM404), have been explored in rodents trained to self-administer ethanol and heroin, producing some promising results. Moreover, AM404 attenuated the development and reinstatement of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). In this study, we used the nicotine intravenous self-administration procedure to assess the effects of intraperitoneal administration of 0, 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg AM404 on nicotine-taking and food-taking behaviors under fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement, as well as on reinstatement of nicotine-seeking induced by nicotine priming and by presentation of nicotine-associated cues. The ability of AM404 to produce place preference was also evaluated. AM404 did not produce CPP and did not modify nicotine-taking and food-taking behaviors. In contrast, AM404 dose-dependently attenuated reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior induced by both nicotine-associated cues and nicotine priming. Our results indicate that AM404 could be a potential promising therapeutic option for the prevention of relapse to nicotine-seeking in abstinent smokers.Journal of Psychopharmacology 02/2013; · 3.04 Impact Factor -
Article: Gender Differences in Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders among Individuals with Lifetime Exposure to Substances: Results from a Large Representative Sample.
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ABSTRACT: Research regarding substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs) shows significant gender differences in prevalence of substance use and dependence. Though lifetime exposure to substances is higher among males, previous reports have not regarded gender differences in prevalence of SUDs among individuals formerly exposed to substances. In addition, though substance abuse is particularly important when exploring gender differences, previous reports have largely focused on rates of transition to substance dependence alone. In this study, we explored gender differences in prevalence of SUDs among individuals with lifetime exposure to substances using a single diagnostic category (abuse or dependence). We analyzed 11 different categories of substances: heroin, cocaine, cannabis, nicotine, alcohol, hallucinogens, inhalants, sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids, and amphetamines. Data were derived from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (Wave 1, n = 43,093). The impact of gender on prevalence of SUDs among individuals with lifetime exposure to substances was assessed with odds ratios (ORs) using logistic regressions and adjusted for socio-demographic factors. Our results show that among individuals with lifetime exposure to substances, males had a significantly higher prevalence of alcohol (OR = 2.95), sedatives (OR = 2.00), cannabis (OR = 1.93), tranquilizers (OR = 1.64), opioids (OR = 1.54), hallucinogens (OR = 1.31), and cocaine (OR = 1.26) use disorders compared with females. Using a single broad diagnostic category highlights gender differences in the prevalence of SUDs among individuals with former exposure to substances. Specifically, the significant gender differences found for alcohol, sedatives, and cannabis use disorders may be important for tailoring preventive measures targeted at reducing rates of SUDs among males using these substances. (Am J Addict 2012;XX:000-000) (Am J Addict 2013;22:7-13).American Journal on Addictions 01/2013; 22(1):7-13. · 1.74 Impact Factor -
Article: Self-Reported Psychotic Disorders among Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: Findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.
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ABSTRACT: Background and Objectives: Comorbidity of substance use disorders (SUDs) and psychotic disorders (PDs) presents many challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Most reports to-date focus on the prevalence of SUDs among clinical populations of patients with PDs, and there is a lack of data pertaining to rates of PDs among individuals with substance use and SUDs. Methods: We analyzed data on 43,093 respondents age 18 and above from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, a nationally representative US survey (Wave 1, 2001-2002). Cross-tabulations were used to derive prevalence estimates of PDs among individuals with 12-month substance use or SUDs across 10 categories of substances. Odds ratios (ORs) were derived from bivariate logistic regression analyses to examine the relationships between lifetime PDs and 12-month substance use or SUDs for the specific categories of substances. Results: Among individuals with 12-month substance use, prevalence of PDs was found to be elevated in 8 of 10 categories of substances, particularly among amphetamine (OR = 8.8) and cocaine (OR = 10.3) users compared to nonusers. Among individuals with SUDs, prevalence of PDs was elevated in 9 of 10 categories of substances compared to individuals without SUDs. Conclusions and Scientific Significance: Our findings on the increased rates of PDs among substance users and individuals with SUDs across a wide range of substances emphasize the importance of screening for PDs while treating patients with substance use and SUDs. This may allow for early intervention and adequate referral to appropriate settings. (Am J Addict 2012;21;531-535).American Journal on Addictions 11/2012; 21(6):531-5. · 1.74 Impact Factor
